The Cricket. India vs England. 3rd Test.
I must admit, I had mixed feelings in the lead up to this series; England's form has dipped considerably in the last 12 months, with a serious and unexpected drubbing from Pakistan last winter, and being simply out-played by a strong South African side in the summer. Trott had not been the immovable object that we have come to expect, the middle order has been flaky, and any touring team in Fortress India can expect to be under the cosh.
The first test was pretty much true to form, and I could feel my inclination to keep close track of proceedings ebbing, but for Alastair Cook's excellent century in the second innings, which served to salvage some pride if not the game.
The second test, as has been trumpeted from the rooftops (if you pay any attention to cricket at all), was a complete turnaround. If felt quite like a slow-played hand of poker actually, with India being induced to bet all their chips on the notion that they would be able to bowl spin and bat against it far better than England would, and England revealing a pocket pair of aces, and ending up with a full house, to compare to India's busted flush!
On to the third test, England are well in command, with Alastair Cook breaking batting records left, right and centre. India took enough wickets today that England's position is not absolutely unassailable, but with India almost 200 runs behind and 3 England wickets remaining (admittedly, rather rabbitish wickets), and the pitch starting to turn a bit, I'd expect England's bowlers to be both dangerous and eager for blood tomorrow, especially as Anderson managed to get a bit of swing out of the ball in the first innings.
In short, it's turning into a damn good series!
The first test was pretty much true to form, and I could feel my inclination to keep close track of proceedings ebbing, but for Alastair Cook's excellent century in the second innings, which served to salvage some pride if not the game.
The second test, as has been trumpeted from the rooftops (if you pay any attention to cricket at all), was a complete turnaround. If felt quite like a slow-played hand of poker actually, with India being induced to bet all their chips on the notion that they would be able to bowl spin and bat against it far better than England would, and England revealing a pocket pair of aces, and ending up with a full house, to compare to India's busted flush!
On to the third test, England are well in command, with Alastair Cook breaking batting records left, right and centre. India took enough wickets today that England's position is not absolutely unassailable, but with India almost 200 runs behind and 3 England wickets remaining (admittedly, rather rabbitish wickets), and the pitch starting to turn a bit, I'd expect England's bowlers to be both dangerous and eager for blood tomorrow, especially as Anderson managed to get a bit of swing out of the ball in the first innings.
In short, it's turning into a damn good series!